Horse racing is one of the oldest sports on record and has been around for thousands of years. Not only has it survived the test of time but it has also been an organized sport throughout the world even dating back to the original Greek Olympics.

Horse racing really came into its own when in the 12th century English horses were bred with Arabian horses. This breeding programme produced sturdy horses that had amazing speed. It was around this time that a more modern version of racing began with racecourses opening and rules and standards established.

King Charles II was well known for having horse racing on open fields and on courses with the winner always having a prize. It is thought that the first horse racing meetings were held at Newmarket.

During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714) horse racing changed from two horses to several running and all spectators were able to place bets. It was Queen Anne who opened one of the most famous race courses ever - Ascot.

In 1750 the Jockey Club was formed at Newmarket where the “elite” of the horse racing circles met. The club controlled racing and the rules made then are still in force today.

There were concerns regarding the breeding and registration of race horses and a gentleman called James Weatherby was given the job of tracing the history of all race horses. Steps were then taken to control and regulate the breeding. All foals born to a race horse now had to be recorded in the General Stud Book. This book was first published in 1793.

The National Hunt Committee was formed in 1866. The British Horseracing Board became the governing authority for horse racing in 1993, however, the Jockey Club still manages and regulates point to point.